Armory Sponsor
KelTec KSG Build (Page 1 of 2)
Posted: 10/27/2019 11:54:20 PM EDT
[Last Edit: bodybagger][Edited]
|
This is now the Official KSG build thread to honor Edward Avila Jr.-bodybagger I just acquired a KSG that I'm going to use/modify. I've looked at them for years, and always stayed away, but now I thought was a good time to make it happen. The main purpose of this thing is to serve as a pest control tool when I'm out in the range area behind the house. There are many snakes, skunks, and coyotes. So a short multi-role shotgun I thought would be a great ticket for this. I'd have the ability to shoot shot or a slug when needed, so the dual magazine option seems perfect. All in a short overall package that would be easy to carry in the truck or on me while walking around. Also, the ability to shoot mini shells is key, as I can have decent capacity without needing reloads. The only catch for me right now is that I'm not home to test it, and so the "build" portion of it will be phase 1, with the range report as a second phase closer to the end of the year. AS PURCHASED I don't see anything inherently wrong with the KSG the way it comes (with the exception of needing a sight), but I know there are some areas that could be improved. While addressing those I figured I could also play with some of the other accessories and document everything here. While it certainly has a "plastic" feel to it, it does seems to function smoothly, has decent weight to it, and feels solidly built. I went with a gray version, since it was an impulse buy and they only had gray or black.  PARTS ORDERED I have ordered a number of parts for it, which I'll detail here in the coming days. I've ordered from Hi-Tech Custom Concepts, M-Carbo, and I'm waiting to hear back from KelTec directly. I've also ordered more parts than I can use, simply to be able to compare the various options and document them here. So over time, perhapsI will be able to expand the catalog of parts available even more than I'm doing on this go around, and how they compare. I am also planning to do some sort of giveaway for the parts I do not use, once we get the comparisons done, so if you have a KSG, stay tuned! I know I received the first set of parts already, with the second scheduled for delivery this week ,which means I'll be getting started shortly. === UPDATE 1/20/2020 === Here is the "final" configuration. There are two items I have not updated (muzzle device and magazine selector), and that is because I want to get more range time as it sits now before I start modifying anything else.  These are numbered in the order in which I made the modifications, and I'll get into why, alternatives I did not use, etc below. (1) MAGPUL MBUS SIGHTS The first thing I needed was the sights- the shotgun would function fine as it came, as long as it had some sights. I was torn between a red dot and iron sights, but I was leaning towards the folding iron sights because I wanted a lower profile, less stuff to get hung up, etc. The intended purpose for this is as a truck gun for pest control around the property. The most logical fit here are the Magpul MBUS sights, but my concern was how low they would sit, and if it would be comfortable to use and get a good cheek weld. Only one way to find out, so I purchased a set and put them on. Luckily for me, they were not too low. There were however a couple of problems with getting a good sight picture: 1) the overall package was not comfortable (to be addressed as we move forward) 2) the small aperture on the rear sight is too small for a quick acquisition, so I have to cut it off and just leave the larger peep Had I elected to use a red dot, there are a couple of options with a center dot and a round circle that would have been a good fit here. (2) KELTEC EXTENDED BUTT-PAD In order to get the shotgun to fit me better, I needed a butt-pad extension. There are a number of them out there, some which slip right over the existing one, but the factory extended buttpad looked like the best solution. It is designed to replace the existing rubber butt-pad and to reduce felt recoil, and IMHO looked the best. The process for installing this was fairly simple, just disassembling the gun and removing a few allen screws, but there was a catch- there is a metal bar at the top of the buttstock assembly, and it has mounting holes that are off-center. It can only be installed one way, or you will keep jamming the action. Basically, just install it making sure the bar is flush with the plastic surfaces. If more detail is needed, I'm happy to provide it here. Once this was installed, the KSG felt much better to put to my shoulder, but the sights were not right where I wanted them. I tested this by shouldering the gun with my eyes closed, and then opening them. (3) MCARBO KYDEX CHEEK REST RECOIL PAD I had a couple of cheekpads, both Kydex but one with and one without neoprene. I ended up preferring the one with the neoprene as it was a bit taller and more comfortable. Time will tell if it lasts, but for now it is comfortable. If the neoprene comes off, it is basically the exact same Kydex as the other. With this cheek riser installed, not only is my face no longer on the bare metal of the receiver, but it helps me shoulder perfectly with my sights. So with these first 3 pieces, I was starting to really like the fit of the KSG. For me, it was a huge improvement from the stock configuration. (4) MCARBO GRIP PLUG This is a small addition, but it allows you to store things in the grip, or at least to seal it up. For me, it includes a few adjustment tools I was starting to accumulate, like an allen wrench and the front sight adjustment tool. In order to avoid them rattling around, put everything in a small zip lock plastic bag, and then in the grip. (5) MAGPUL XTM HAND STOP KIT There are so many options for the front grip, and I tried to read about everyone's experiences and check out the available options. One of the big factors is how close your "working" hand is to the muzzle, and photos on the internet show what can happen when things go wrong. A lot of people opt for a vertical grip, but I'm not a fan, so I wanted some sort of a hand stop. In playing with some of these, I also found that I benefitted from something at the back to help in cycling the action, so basically a hand stop at the front, and one at the back. Lucky for me, the Magpul XTM is the perfect solution. I put the smaller hand stop at the front, to keep my hand from slipping in front of the muzzle, and the larger one in the back which aids in cycling the action by having something to push against. All parts are the perfect size for what I wanted without being overly large, and the filler rail covers were just enough to fill in the space between the stops, so the whole kit fit like it was purpose made for the KSG. At this point I was really happy with the fit and function of my modifications. Everything fit me well, and was easy to operate. With these five changes alone, I think anyone that is unhappy with their KSG might feel differently about it, and I certainly could have stopped here. But of course, I didn't... (6) MCARBO TARGET TRIGGER and SRING KIT A lot of people say this is not necessary. The trigger on the KSG is not bad, but that doesn't mean it can't be better. A shotgun is not a precision long range rifle, so a 2-stage trigger is not a necessity, but that's what it felt like because of the long pre-travel. I was not bothered by the heavy trigger; mine was about 7+lbs. Again, for a shotgun and not a long-range rifle, I'm ok with that. The MCARBO trigger IMHO is great because you can eliminate all that pre-travel. Many describe the process as being a pain in the ass, and I expected that. But watching the video from MCARBO, it didn't seem too terrible, so I decided to jump in and replace both the trigger and the springs. These are two separate kits. I will link to their video here because it outlines the process in great detail, but let me just say it was not as easy for me as they make it look. That's certainly the experience you gain from doing it over and over, but the design of the KSG is to one for disassembling (really reassembling is what gets you) this lower easily.  KEL-TEC KSG Target Trigger & Trigger Spring Kit – Complete Trigger Job & Installation | M*CARBO In the end, despite the PITA, I'm happy with the new trigger, and now it's much more of a crisp single stage pull, at 3-4lbs; definitely not too light, and easier to get followup shots. (7) KELTEC ALUMINUM MAGAZINE FOLLOWER KIT Here's another one of those "really not necessary" modifications. There's nothing wrong with the stock mag followers, and they're bright white so they're easy to see. They're also plastic, which I'm not a fan of, but on a mostly plastic gun, it's almost a moot point. However, I decided I wanted the experience of replacing them, and cleaning out the magazine tubes, so I ordered this Keltec set, as well as a stainless steel version. This is where I'll mention the first tool I really found to be useful so far and that was the magazine plug tool from MCARBO. I first tried the little wrench that came with the follower kit, but it bent immediately when trying to remove the plugs without heating them up first. With the MCARBO tool, it was super easy- just screw it in by hand, then use a wrench to back them out and the plugs came right out. I cleaned up both magazine tubes, and installed my new aluminum followers. Another reason I chose these over the stock or the stainless version, is both of those are a closed center. So when checking the mag tubes by feel, it's had to know if what you're touching is a follower or a shell. These have a huge open center, so I know instantly and without looking if the tube is empty. Reassembly was straightforward, and I'm again happy with my decision. (8) MCARBO QD SINGLE POINT SLING MOUNT My last upgrades had to do with the sling mount. I'm a big fan of a QD mount on everything I own, and so I didn't want to limit myself on the KSG. The problem is there are not a lot of good choices out there to use a QD sling (like the Magpul MS4 I use almost exclusively). I also like versatility, and the option to use a 1 or 2 point configuration. So I opted for the only choice I found out there, which was the MCARBO solution; this basically replaces your takedown pin, but the tradeoff is you lose the no-tool disassembly of your KSG. I'm not sure how much of a limitation that will be yet, so the jury is still out. For more options, I replaced both pins with these, so I have a rearward as well as a more centered mount point. What I lack is a forward mount point for a 2 point configuration, so we have one more piece to add in order to switch over to QD sling mounts, and that's the last item here. (9) HI-TECH QD TOP RAIL FRONT MOUNT BLOCK This is a QD sling mount point that as the name implies, attaches to your top rail. I put mine behind the front sight vs moving the front sight back a slot, and it works fine. I've been carrying the KSG mostly in a 2-point configuration when in the field. Another alternative is to just go with a non-QD sling like the magpul MS1, and use the factory mount points returning my tool-less disassembly function and removing some extra weight. So for now, that's where everything is. I have yet to play with muzzle brakes, as I want some time the way it is, and I want to figure out a way to test real function of those brakes, some of which are huge. I'm mostly using my KSG with mini shells, so a muzzle brake is really not something I feel I need right now. I do want to see if I can't get some doors to breach and see how some of those work for that purpose, as well as some of the standoff spikes that are available. The problem is all of the above parts are pretty heavy. I also have not done anything with the magazine tube selection lever, as I want more time with the stock one before I change it out. I will also continue to add more detail to the above, or if people want to see any specific images of anything in particular. A big shout out to MCARBO, Hi-Tech Custom Concepts, and Kel-Tech for their support and the products they're putting out. I was very skeptical of the KSG initially, but now it has become one of my favorite tools thanks to them. REST of the PARTS Coming soon. RANGE REPORT Coming soon. MISC If there are others out there with experience modifying the KSG, I'm happy to include your experiences in this thread, so welcome your input. |
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."
|
The biggest thing I've seen that concerns reliability is that KelTecs QC isn't always the best. The main thing is parkerizing in the chamber where they are sloppy with that. Then a general deburring of all the internals and the mold flashing on the plastic parts. A fluff and buff if you will. Here's a good link
https://www.thektog.org/threads/new-ksg-fluff-and-buff-chamber-polish-and-forearm-notch-post-operation-thoughts.262299/ |
|
I had a Gen one way way back. The older models had feed issues (sold it), newer gens are much more reliable. Drove me nuts that mine didn't have any sort of sling attachment points other than loops.
I mocked up a Magpul style ambi sling point for the rear of mine (used factory through screw holes). Also an ABS cover for the metal cheek weld area. I think there are much better options available now. They are a lot of fun, sorta miss it. I didn't have the best luck with MBUS sights, it ran really well with an Aimpoint red dot, much faster. The grey color looks great BTW. Attached File |
|
A fluff and buff will do more than anything to improve it.
Key is polishing the chamber to smooth up the parkerized surface. You can also polish the bore if you want, it's also parkerized and the rough surface makes cleaning tougher. With the chamber polished the complaints about sticking cases pretty much ends. Among the work I did on mine was to smooth the shell lifter, especially in the curved area at the top-rear. That's where the op slide operates the lifter and some smoothing of the lifter and rounding and smoothing of the rear of the follower greatly improves smooth operation. The KSG is a modified Ithaca Model 37 type action and the critical parts of the feed-eject-reset cycle happens in the last 1/2 inch of the rearward operation of the slide, and in the last 1/2 inch of the forward operation of the slide. Smoothing the contact surfaces can make the KSG so smooth even people totally unfamiliar with the gun can operate it with no problems. Do a good read on the above linked info on fluffing and buffing. You can make the gun far smoother to operate with a little work. Another area I addressed was to cut a "U" shaped notch in the rear of the plastic forearm so it didn't contact the slide release on the front of the trigger guard. Exactly why the forearm contacts and slightly pushes the slide release down is probably a left-over from the very early design and they didn't want to change the mold to eliminate the contact. That contact interferes in the critical last 1/2 inch of rearward movement. Anything that can be done to limit free movement in that critical last 1/2 inch of forearm movement goes a long way to a trouble free gun. I replaced the standard rubber butt pad with the Kel-Tec factory thicker-wider pad. This went a long way toward reducing felt recoil. I saw no need to replace the white plastic mag followers with aluminum or stainless steel followers. The plastic are good as-as and are self lubricating. I did clean the tubes and springs and lubricate them with WD-40 Dry Lube with Teflon to prevent rust. I suggest buying a good magazine cap removal tool. Eventually you'll need to disassemble the tubes to clean them. The expedient tool made from a 1/2 inch bolt and two nuts WILL NOT always do the job and can damage the caps. The caps have Loctite on the threads and light heat may be needed to remove them. Do some shopping online to find copies of the tool cheaper..... https://www.mcarbo.com/kel-tec-ksg-follower-nut-tool.aspx DO NOT DISASSEMBLE THE TRIGGER GROUP. There are videos online showing disassembly, but tellingly there are none on REassembly. Reassembly is HARD to do, and I worried that I'd break the plastic wells for the action pins due to the force needed. The trigger is already the best bullpup trigger there is, and there's really nothing much that can be improved. Disassembling the plastic butt section and the forearm section, and removing the trigger group from the gun and using fine sand paper or a fingernail emery board to remove the sharp mold marks, especially around the loading port area makes the gun much more user hand-friendly. If you want a vertical forearm grip, buy the MagPul VFG. It's the best and strongest, and spreads the force over a wider area of rail. The broken off forward grips were on the early guns, and Kel-Tech has beefed up the forearm in that area. If it still bothers you, there is an aluminum rail that can be bolted to the plastic factory rail to strengthen it. It's suspected that a number of the broken forearms were done by people using a vertical grip as a handle while they tried to remove the tight muzzle nut and just snapped the grip off, breaking the rail. What NOT to add.... I don't like the extended magazine switches. These are just too easy to bump or get caught on something and break it off. The bolt that retains it is TINY and if snapped off, it's probably going to need to be sent back to the factory to extract it and install a new one. I found that I can just reach back with my left hand and hook the factory switch with my index finger and pull it over to the left tube feed position or push it to the right tube. A little practice with this goes a long way. I don't like the shell deflectors. These block access to the magazines and make it harder to load. I just hold my elbow out to the side slightly and ejected shells don't hit my forearm. I learned to shoot a rifle with the arm out to the side, so this feels natural to me. Most muzzle attachments are kind of useless "Tactical" junk, unless it's an interchangeable choke mount. If you want to add a muzzle attachment...BUY THE SPECIAL WRENCH and be careful. The muzzle nuts are TIGHT and it's easy to damage the gun trying to break the nut loose. For sights I didn't want a red dot that needed to be turned on and adjusted, and the pop-up AR type sights are too easy to hit and break off or damage. They also need to be popped up and I wanted something that was just a fixed sight. So, I bought an Archangel accessory sight from Brownell's. The front sight is an AR type orange sight adjustable for elevation, the rear sight is a pistol type sight adjustable for windage. To protect the rear sight I added Kydex "ears". I put thinner pieces under the ears to add space so the sight could be moved for windage. Again, do some online shopping for better prices..... https://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/sights/front-sights/ar-15-fixed-archangel-auxiliary-sight-prod43817.aspx You can also buy the sight rail-carry handle for the new Kel-Tec KS7 from Kel-Tec and install it on the KSG. Here's my set up......... 
Watch-outs are that it's way too easy to get confused which magazine tube is feeding what type of shell and fire the wrong type. Also, in order to change when the chamber is loaded, you have to dump a good round. Most people wind up treating the KSG as a shotgun that offers the world's fasted reload..... just shoot one tube until empty then switch to the other for an instant "reload". |
|
Finally got all the parts I was expecting yesterday, so I will begin to make a list here, and as I have the opportunity, we'll compare and eventually get a range report when I get back home and have a range!
My goal is to have a catalog of parts here with as many as I can get my hands on so people can see how they fit, size, function, etc and have better info for their own needs. Obviously no one needs or can fit this many parts on their shotgun. 
|
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."
|
I know it’s taken me way longer than expected with this project, but I’ve been playing with parts and I think I have it down. I can say that with these modifications, this thing has become one of my favorite firearms and I’ve got a few hundred rounds with the mini shells down range. Two major trade offs, one with my build and one with the KSG in general: 1) Because of my purpose for this gun, which is pest control around the property, I did not fit a light on it, nor do I see a convenient way to add one with the choices I’ve made. If this were a home defense gun, a role I feel would be a great fit for this, then a light would take priority. 2) The benefit of a short package is maneuverability in tight spaces, which is one of the reasons this would make a great home defense weapon. The drawback is that you lose the “pointability” of a long sight radius you get with a traditional shotgun. So while I can’t shoot skeet as well with this, for a tactical role the benefits far outweigh this trade off. So what I’ll be doing is updating this thread up top with the parts I chose, and the parts I did not choose as well as my thought process. What I need to come up with what to do with the parts I did not use. Originally I was thinking of giving them away individually, but I haven’t come up with a good mechanism for choosing what goes to who. Another option is to pass them around so people can see and try them before passing along to the next person? I look to you guys to come up with a solution. I want to make sure they go to people that will use them, so post any ideas. |
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."
|
Great info on the KSG!!
Got a list of everything you bought? I saw the pic above but can’t see what a lot of it is. Got a list of what you used/liked vs what you didn’t use/like? |
Ever see a lion after he eats a zebra? - MrClean4Hire (RIP Brother)
I hate waiting, but I really hate waiting to wait. - sgtgeo (having to wait on a Form 3 before sending a Form 4).
I hate waiting, but I really hate waiting to wait. - sgtgeo (having to wait on a Form 3 before sending a Form 4).
|
Originally Posted By scottMO:
Got a list of what you used/liked vs what you didn’t use/like? Initial round of parts is now updated with more to come. Feel free to ask any questions, or details you'd like to see. |
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."
|
Originally Posted By EdwardAvila:
I know it’s taken me way longer than expected with this project, but I’ve been playing with parts and I think I have it down. I can say that with these modifications, this thing has become one of my favorite firearms and I’ve got a few hundred rounds with the mini shells down range. Two major trade offs, one with my build and one with the KSG in general: 1) Because of my purpose for this gun, which is pest control around the property, I did not fit a light on it, nor do I see a convenient way to add one with the choices I’ve made. If this were a home defense gun, a role I feel would be a great fit for this, then a light would take priority. 2) The benefit of a short package is maneuverability in tight spaces, which is one of the reasons this would make a great home defense weapon. The drawback is that you lose the “pointability” of a long sight radius you get with a traditional shotgun. So while I can’t shoot skeet as well with this, for a tactical role the benefits far outweigh this trade off. So what I’ll be doing is updating this thread up top with the parts I chose, and the parts I did not choose as well as my thought process. What I need to come up with what to do with the parts I did not use. Originally I was thinking of giving them away individually, but I haven’t come up with a good mechanism for choosing what goes to who. Another option is to pass them around so people can see and try them before passing along to the next person? I look to you guys to come up with a solution. I want to make sure they go to people that will use them, so post any ideas. Appreciate the review! Been interested in the KSG/KS7 for a while now. |
I bought a lightly used one today for $530.00. I cleaned it, put a set of sights and a short VFG on it, grabbed a box of Federal 00 buck, and took it down to my range and sighted it in. It runs just fine. 
I'm not bothered by getting a bunch of stuff for it, most likely just a plug for the pistol grip and a offset rail mount for a spare TLR 2 I have. I did replace the plastic magpul sights that were on it with metal, a YHM front and a USMC MI rear that I drilled the peep a bit bigger on. It made a huge difference. Very easy to pick up the sights now. One thing I did notice and that was it makes a difference where you position the short VFG, the farther forward the better so you can get the leverage needed to properly rack the slide.....It does not like a weak rack. Attached File |
“The farther backward you can look, the farther forward you are likely to see.”
Winston Churchill.
Winston Churchill.
|
Got in a couple of cases of the Challenger minishells today (on sale they were like $.35/rd), but they only had #7.5 shot and slugs, so no buckshot. I’ll use the shot for snakes and such, and I’ll try to shoot some clays for fun and see how bad it is with the KSG.
I’ve heard the Challenger (compared to Federal and Aguila) were the least accurate, so I wanted to make sure they worked ASAP and went out in a light rain to try them before it got worse. Weather will keep me away from more formal results for a few days at least. Due to the hurry, I used existing targets, so ignore all the extra holes. Both rounds fired reliably, and I managed to get 20rds of each through the gun with no problems. I found the shotshells to pattern well and expand to about 8” at 10yds (just guessing right now without more accurate measurements). Slugs fired offhand at 10yds were same point of impact as Aguila slugs, and seemed just as accurate. So again, for the money I can’t complain. Functioned reliably, shot well, and they were a great price! I’ll get more formal results and measurements when I get a dry sunny day. Here were a few #7.5 rounds shot at center mass, and a couple at the head: 
And here is a closeup of the 12 slugs fired at the head at 10yds, offhand: 
With the Aguila, there were some wadding holes in the target (you can see the couple of ragged holes around mid-target) which I did not see with the Challenger slugs; challenger were all nice clean round holes. |
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."
| Saw one of the new single tube magazine jobbers today, handles pretty nicely. Not very heavy for a 12 ga, though. |
Married the most eligible woman on ARFCOM. https://www.ar15.com/forums/general/That-Every-Man-Be-Armed-Free-AR-parts-Please-contribute-your-parts-Trash-Panda-vid-Pg-15-/5-2146304/
|
Originally Posted By backbencher:
Saw one of the new single tube magazine jobbers today, handles pretty nicely. Not very heavy for a 12 ga, though. I still have not fired regular 2-3/4” shells through it, but combined with the mini shells, I think it’s a great system overall. So I think of mine as a 1-3/4“ that’s capable of firing 2-3/4” (or 3” for that matter) as needed. That versatility combined with the 1-3/4” capacity and reliability makes it out-rank my semi-auto (and really any other) shotguns for most applications. So far still very happy with the mods done and the current configuration. |
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."
| I'm intrigued by this 870 clone that runs Saiga mags. I'm encouraged by more and more manufacturers designing around an existing magazine system. |
Married the most eligible woman on ARFCOM. https://www.ar15.com/forums/general/That-Every-Man-Be-Armed-Free-AR-parts-Please-contribute-your-parts-Trash-Panda-vid-Pg-15-/5-2146304/
| The black KSG is 649.00 from Sportsmansguide. If you have the buyers club, it drops to 617.00 and you can divide the 617.00 into 4 payments. |
Ever see a lion after he eats a zebra? - MrClean4Hire (RIP Brother)
I hate waiting, but I really hate waiting to wait. - sgtgeo (having to wait on a Form 3 before sending a Form 4).
I hate waiting, but I really hate waiting to wait. - sgtgeo (having to wait on a Form 3 before sending a Form 4).
|
To the OP I have loved my little KSG. I got one the week they were released and mine feeds fine. I have only had two issues, I sheered the teeth off the forearm with Surefire m900 mounted on it. And I have had an issue with a sling being mounted in the front slots getting shreaded by the muzzle blast. Otherwise mine has run really well. It even eats the Aguilla (sp?) mini-shells giving me around 25 rounds if memory serves me correctly. My experience with Keltec's customer service was awesome, they fixed and had my gun back to me in very short order. The KSG might be the perfect truck gun but it does need two things: 1. Sight. I have run MBus on mine for a while but I greatly prefer a simple red dot. My Sig Romeo 5 can be found on sale for about $100 often. To me this gun (really any gun) excels with a red dot over traditional sights. You'll run the gun WAY faster and it'll be easier to use at shotgun distances. 2. As much as I hate single point slings, this gun really works well with one. I used a Magpul QD rail mount about dead center and it balances really well. I love these blasters. Lots of rounds on tap. Mines been reliable even being a Gen 1 and I love the concept of the small package and no NFA crap to deal with. |
|
MBUS SIGHTS
Well now that I've made my decision to go with the MBUS sights vs a red dot or other buis, I have some tweaking to do on these. Why? Because I wasn't born with the normal gene that just lets me be satisfied when something is good; there's a perpetual quest to make things just a little better, even when having passed the point of diminishing returns long ago. So today it has been focused on my sights. Again, I don't have a problem with the Magpul MBUS plastic sights, as I think they go as well with the KSG as any other forearm out there. There are however two points that I feel I can easily improve upon. REAR SIGHT The REAR sight - as is typical of an AR rear sight, has both a large and a smaller aperture available. The smaller aperture is typically meant for greater accuracy/longer range shooting, which is definitely NOT something that will be needed on this particular build. So I can leave the smaller aperture folded out of the way, but when the gun is stowed, as it will often be when carrying in the back of the truck with the sights folded, this small aperture in the "out of the way" position actually sticks up and gets in the way of everything. Typically it will get pushed back into the "in use" position where it blocks our view through the rear sight too much. So there are two options if leaving it the way it is is not one of them... 1) Cut that entire aperture off - which I intended to do initially. But in looking at it, it seems like leaving as much of it in place as possible strengthens the other aperture just because there is more material there. 2) Drill out or cut off the smaller aperture to not interfere with the sight picture, leaving most of the supporting plastic around it. My fear with this is just messing it up and not having a perfectly round hole, throwing it off center, or otherwise interfering with the clean rear image. Looking for ideas from the audience here as to what you recommend, or if anyone has tried something similar. Again, drilling, cutting, melting all come to mind but I don't want to mess up a perfectly good sight if I can learn from someone else's experience. Here is a pic or two of the area in question: 
FRONT SIGHT So what can we do to the front sight? One of the things I wanted to do was add low light capability with a Tritium post. Simple enough solution. But then I thought perhaps a chevron or other shape might be better for quick target acquisition? Well I found the best of both worlds from Blitzkrieg Components. They offer a front post replacement that is a chevron shape: 
And if that's not enough, they offer it in multiple colors, with and without a tritium tipped chevron: 
The only downside I see is that it looks like the tritium is only visible every 180 or perhaps even 360 degrees which would limit zeroing. Not sure if it would be a real problem on s shotgun sighted in for use at 10-30yds, but it is a potential problem. So while I would have ordered that already, it seems to be sold out everywhere. If anyone finds it confirmed in-stock, in white or green (yellow?) with the tritium, let me know! (I've got an email out to Blitzkrieg) Or if you have experience with either mod here, for the fronts or rears, I'd love to hear about it. And yes, I know I'm putting way more money into the cheap MBUS sights than they probably deserve, but I'm happy with that solution. Of course I could have gotten a decent red-dot for less money... I am however confident that when complete, this KSG will be perfectly customized to me, and that is what got many of us into the AR game to start with! It's not all about the destination, but the journey itself. |
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."
|
Anyone tried one of these handstops from Midwest industries??
Attached File Attached File |
Ever see a lion after he eats a zebra? - MrClean4Hire (RIP Brother)
I hate waiting, but I really hate waiting to wait. - sgtgeo (having to wait on a Form 3 before sending a Form 4).
I hate waiting, but I really hate waiting to wait. - sgtgeo (having to wait on a Form 3 before sending a Form 4).
|
Originally Posted By scottMO:
Anyone tried one of these handstops from Midwest industries?? https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/2158/B939B4F3-ECF8-4BDB-A172-A9227CD2499E_png-1280433.JPG https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/2158/B47749DB-8639-42D4-8229-79C881141253_png-1280434.JPG 
|
|
Attached File Attached File The ksg and MI hand stop both arrived this week. The MI hand stop slides onto the bottom rail and attaches via one screw. It does and have a slight amount of up/down movement/play even when tightened down very hard. I think it will work just fine as it’s not a piece that will have any pressure on it when the gun is being racked. In looking at it, I think I’d like to maybe see it attach at the back too with the middle part open so you could have a vertical grip in between the 2 handstop mounting points. But it really isn’t necessary, and the hand stop won’t have any pressure on it unless your vertical grip breaks. A magpul RVG arrives tomorrow. On the short list/want list: cheap red dot, kydex cheek piece with neoprene pad and the extended thicker buttpad |
Ever see a lion after he eats a zebra? - MrClean4Hire (RIP Brother)
I hate waiting, but I really hate waiting to wait. - sgtgeo (having to wait on a Form 3 before sending a Form 4).
I hate waiting, but I really hate waiting to wait. - sgtgeo (having to wait on a Form 3 before sending a Form 4).
|
Originally Posted By scottMO:
https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/2158/A505D978-7FEF-4F08-9304-2C242EF27B5A_jpe-1285210.JPGhttps://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/2158/6C4B79EE-EAE2-45C7-8E30-C2536C0F939B_jpe-1285211.JPG The ksg and MI hand stop both arrived this week. The MI hand stop attaches to the bottom rail via one screw and has a slight amount of movement/play even when tightened down very hard. I think it will work just fine as it’s not a piece that will have any pressure on it when the gun is being racked.. A magpul RVG arrives tomorrow. On the short list/want list: cheap red dot, kydex cheek piece with neoprene pad and the extended thicker buttpad |
|
Originally Posted By Avila33:
That’s too bad there is some play on it. Still looks good though! I really want to get this, really just looks cool but price really adds up for an accessory that you have to buy 3 tools to install. https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/476203/4AA9EE29-8D6B-4937-A99D-E1206BF5F2AC_jpe-1285292.JPG Originally Posted By Avila33:
Originally Posted By scottMO:
https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/2158/A505D978-7FEF-4F08-9304-2C242EF27B5A_jpe-1285210.JPGhttps://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/2158/6C4B79EE-EAE2-45C7-8E30-C2536C0F939B_jpe-1285211.JPG The ksg and MI hand stop both arrived this week. The MI hand stop attaches to the bottom rail via one screw and has a slight amount of movement/play even when tightened down very hard. I think it will work just fine as it’s not a piece that will have any pressure on it when the gun is being racked.. A magpul RVG arrives tomorrow. On the short list/want list: cheap red dot, kydex cheek piece with neoprene pad and the extended thicker buttpad Those look good and I’ve looked at those too, but at this pace, it’s not gonna be a 600.00 for to much longer, lol... |
Ever see a lion after he eats a zebra? - MrClean4Hire (RIP Brother)
I hate waiting, but I really hate waiting to wait. - sgtgeo (having to wait on a Form 3 before sending a Form 4).
I hate waiting, but I really hate waiting to wait. - sgtgeo (having to wait on a Form 3 before sending a Form 4).
|
Originally Posted By scottMO:
https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/2158/A505D978-7FEF-4F08-9304-2C242EF27B5A_jpe-1285210.JPGhttps://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/2158/6C4B79EE-EAE2-45C7-8E30-C2536C0F939B_jpe-1285211.JPG A magpul RVG arrives tomorrow. On the short list/want list: cheap red dot, kydex cheek piece with neoprene pad and the extended thicker buttpad I have one I bought years ago on Amazon and it's still working just fine. Note the many good recommendations, including from people who use it on shotguns shooting slugs and buck. Just down the page under Frequently bought together are some cheap mounts. I bought one to give a co-witness with my Colt M4 sights and it hasn't given any trouble. For a time Bushnell's second version with white lettering gave problems but they've fixed it. When reading reviews notice the date posted. https://www.amazon.com/Bushnell-Trophy-TRS-25-Riflescope-1x25mm/dp/B00200E0HM/ref=sr_1_1?crid=LH8LX5SR39LG&dchild=1&keywords=bushnell+trs25&qid=1582330235&sprefix=bushnell%2Cstripbooks%2C175&sr=8-1 |
|
We lost Ed Jr. https://www.ar15.com/forums/General/-ARFCOM-Founder-Edward-Avila-Passed-Away-Today/5-2312718/?page=1 He lost a hard fought battle with cancer. I had hoped this thread was a sign of things improving. My condolences and prayers to the Avila family. |
|
Originally Posted By bodybagger: We lost Ed Jr. https://www.ar15.com/forums/General/-ARFCOM-Founder-Edward-Avila-Passed-Away-Today/5-2312718/?page=1 He lost a hard fought battle with cancer. I had hoped this thread was a sign of things improving. My condolences and prayers to the Avila family. Same here I checked this thread nearly everyday looking for updates. RIP Ed |
|
Just found this thread. Look like Ed had a lot of fun putting it together.. Had some cool options that didn't exist when I bought mine. I didn't know Ed had passed. RIP Ed.  ----------- To add on to a few items that could be done with the KSG.. I had sent out my barrels to be threaded internally so chokes could be installed internally vs an funky external attachment. Give it an extremely clean look Also using a Silencerco Salvo on it to suppress it.. it reduces the gap between the Salvo and the barrel. |
|
Attached File Final configuration. A big thanks to this thread.. |
Ever see a lion after he eats a zebra? - MrClean4Hire (RIP Brother)
I hate waiting, but I really hate waiting to wait. - sgtgeo (having to wait on a Form 3 before sending a Form 4).
I hate waiting, but I really hate waiting to wait. - sgtgeo (having to wait on a Form 3 before sending a Form 4).
|
Originally Posted By bodybagger: This is now the "Official" KSG build thread in honor of Edward Avila Jr. That’s great! Pin it! My KSG is all original for now, but the purchase was inspired by Ed and this thread when he started it. I will come back and do some more updates when I can get some upgrades. Attached File |
|
I'll pull mine out and show some of the changes I did 5 years ago.. I did some of the standard stuff like switch extension, metal followers, etc. The thing I loved the most was threading the barrel for an internal choke. I had roseactionsports.com do the threading for a Win-Choke. I wished he was able to do the Benelli threading since i have Benelli chokes, but this was the next best thing. Not sure if they still offer the service, but the website is still up and their Facebook page is still active. I think I picked them because I saw someone else on ARFCOM do a barrel threading. They charged under $80 for a 2 week turnaround time.. but that was 5 years ago. Any case I ordered the MCARBO trigger and spring since I'd prefer a metal trigger over plastic. Thanks Ed! |
|
Great build. Im in the market for one of these. Currently have a trade offer thats a bit too steep. Waiting on my Fabarm STF12, but still love the total length and capacity here. Happy to take one off anyone's hands, stock or not - but meanwhile great parts list. That M-lok add-on is sex. |
KelTec KSG Build (Page 1 of 2)
Armory Sponsor